New York Public Library's Mariners Harbor Branch Receives the 2009 Award for Excellence in Design

NEW YORK, NY.-The New York Public Library’s Mariners Harbor Branch in Staten Island has been selected as a winner of the 2009 Award for Excellence in Design from the New York City Design Commission. The awards, chosen by members of the The Public Design Commission of the City of New York, exemplify the highest standards in design. Scheduled to open in 2011, the highly anticipated 10,000 square foot branch library will serve a community of 30,000 residents. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg will present the award to Paul LeClerc, President of The New York Public Library, and to architects Anna Torriani and Lorenzo Pagnamento of Atelier Pagnamenta Torriani, at a July 1, 2009 ceremony at the New Museum.

“Quality library design is a priority for us when we undertake any new building, but each case provides unique challenges and opportunities,” said Dr. LeClerc. “We are very pleased that with its references to the heritage of the community and its innovative use of light and space, the design solution created by Atelier Pagnamenta Torriani for the Mariners Harbor branch has been recognized with this prestigious award from the New York City Design Commission.”

The Mariners Harbor Branch Library is a LEED certified one-story building in the Mariners Harbor neighborhood, a community in Staten Island with a rich maritime past. The branch will be shaped like the larger and smaller halves of an open oyster shell with the overall design strategy centering on maximizing daylight and views deep into the building. The technologically state-of-the-art branch will serve the neighborhood with collections for adults, young adults, and children, programs for all ages, after-school study hours, story reading and community events. Features of the branch include self-check out, computers, an AV community room, and free wireless Internet service. It will also be the first New York Public Library branch with a ground-level outdoor terrace.

Capital funding for the project is being provided by Mayor Bloomberg ($4.735 million), CongressmanMcMahon (who as Council Member secured $3.985 million) and Borough President Molinaro ($1 million), as well as Assembly Member Titone and Senator Savino ($750,000).